To take in chinchilla’s that are ill, unwanted, rescue’s (even if that means paying for them), needing veterinary treatment and care for them, given that chinchilla’s can live in captivity for 15-20 years, they will be with me for life, not until I get tired or want a new direction in my own personal life. I also aim to:
To promote and protect the Chinchilla
To promote the correct care of the Chinchilla
To educate and support members of the public
Establish and maintain a working relationship with veterinarians, RNZSPCA, and other animal welfare groups
Not to make a profit or any money out of chinchilla’s that come under the ‘rescue’ status, and that no such chinchilla shall be used for breeding
I will ensure they get everything they need, this includes their food - chinchilla pellets only (no other pellets as in rabbit or guinea pig pellets as these are NOT suitable), lucerne (either chaff or hay) as well as hay. They are required to have chew toys consisting of a variety of things like pumice, bark, cuttlefish, lava bites etc and nothing with plastic’s as well as dust baths. Hammocks, nest boxes, water bottles are all required as well. Clean cages, mine get cleaned out each week. Veterinarian treatment when needed and each new arrival has a minimum of three veterinarian appointments within the first four months of arriving here.
Each new arrival is to be quaranteened until the first vet appointment has been completed by a qualified vet. This appointment shall consist of - checking the chinchilla for any abnormal skin conditions, checking their eyes, ears, nose, paws, checking the chinchilla’s teeth (with a scope as well as their jaw line), having a general feel to ensure everything is ok with the chinchilla. Once the chinchilla has been to the vet and if everything is ok - the chinchilla will be moved into one of the rooms with other chinchilla’s, if anything is noticed and needs to be done, it shall depend on the treatment at the time, as to where the chinchilla is best placed (in a separate room, or with other chinchilla’s).
Given a chinchilla’s nature, I will try and pair some up IF they are compatible, but they will be same sexed chinchilla’s unless the males have been neutered where they can live with a female and not produce any offspring. I will not neuter a male, or spay a female, if I feel it will affect their health, temperament or put them at risk. I will not have a chinchilla put to sleep unless further treatment will cause detriment to the chinchilla's wellbeing and cause the chinchilla unecessary pain.
I ensure they have ‘free time’ and by this I mean time out of their cages for a wee play. I interact with the chinchilla’s daily and also have time with them for their nightly ‘free time’.
Each Chinchilla has a profile, which will be updated a minimum of each month as well as recording their weights.
The chinchilla, regardless on if it is suitable for adopting to a permanent home or a permanent rescue, will always be treated as a pet. I will keep those needing long term care here, or those that I personally feel, would cause detriment to the chinchilla if the chin left my care. Any chinchilla that is suitable for adoption will be placed in the most suitable home for the chinchilla’s personality and a strict adoption process will be adhered too, if a home does not become available, the chinchilla shall remain in my care permanently and again, be treated as a pet.
